E-Rate-Program

C1 E-Rate Program

Modernizing technology to motivate young learners.

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Unlocking educational opportunities

Understanding the E-Rate Program's impact on K-12 schools and libraries.

Remember to review the specific entries in the Eligible Services List (ESL) for each funding year to ensure the services or products you're requesting meet the eligibility criteria. If you have any specific products in mind, contact us for assistance.

Data transmission services

These cover broadband connectivity and basic conduit access to the internet. They cannot include charges for content, end-user devices, or equipment purchases beyond basic internet access.

Internet access

This includes Wi-Fi on school buses, leased lit fiber, leased dark fiber, and self-provisioned broadband networks. Voice services are not eligible.

Internal connections

Eligible products include access points, routers, switches, hubs, and wiring. These products must be necessary to transport information to classrooms or publicly accessible areas of a library.

MIBS

Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS): Services provided by a third party for the operation, management, and monitoring of eligible broadband internal connections components (e.g., managed Wi-Fi).

Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC)

Covers repair and upkeep of eligible internal connections, including hardware, wiring, and cable maintenance, along with basic technical support and configuration changes.

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Bus Wi-Fi

Safe and reliable connectivity to maximize learning opportunities for students as they travel to and from school.

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Security

Keeping students’ and staff personal information is vital for ensuring a safe learning and teaching environment. As more teachers and students utilize technology, data privacy, security and learning loss prevention become more important.

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Firewalls

Monitor, filter, and control network traffic to avoid cyber-attacks. Trust our next generation firewalls with application-level inspection to better defend your network from malware.

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Networking and connectivity

Our advanced networking and connectivity solutions help enable a robust infrastructure for learning, that prepares students to compete in the digital world.

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Enterprise networking
Our advanced networking and connectivity solutions help enable a robust infrastructure for learning, that prepares students to compete in the digital world.

Mobility - Wireless Networking
Networking solutions for schools that enable Wi-Fi on school property play a crucial role in digital learning and advancing student engagement.

Network routers and switches
Routers and switches play a critical role for Internet connectivity, internal networking, Wi-Fi access points and bandwidth management. In the era of remote learning, routers are the essential enabler that fills the connectivity gap.

Structured cabling
Your low voltage cabling systems provide the foundation through which digital technology flows within your building.

UPS
UPS and battery backup systems play a key role in data centers, ensuring long-term functionality by bridging power cuts, providing power stability, preventing data loss, and maintaining business continuity.

Invoicing and reimbursement process

C1 supports both BEAR and SPI invoicing methods.

Billed entity applicant reimbursement

Applicants file the Form 472 Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) form if they have paid their service provider in full for the supported services and want to be reimbursed by USAC for the approved discount amount. USAC recommends that applicants file their BEAR Form 472 online. C1 supports the online BEAR form filing process and checks USAC's web site regularly for BEAR Form 472s that require certification.

BEAR invoicing

Service provider invoice

If the service providers have issued discounted bills to the applicants, the service providers file the Form 474 Service Provider Invoice (SPI) with USAC seeking reimbursement.

Under both methods, USAC reviews the invoices and will process the payment once the invoice has been approved.

SPI invoicing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-Rate Program?
E-Rate program provides funding for eligible services in K-12 schools and libraries.  On-campus connectivity primarily used for “educational purposes” are reimbursed through the program.
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When does the program funding year begin?
The E-Rate program funding year begins July 1st 2024 and ends June 30th 2025.
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What forms and deadlines do I need to be aware of?
E-Rate is a deadline-driven program -all four of the common applicant forms have deadlines which, if missed, will result in funding denials or reductions. Appeals, SPIN changes, invoice deadline extensions, service delivery extensions, and service substitutions also have deadlines-some are fixed, some are prescribed by USAC each year, and others depend upon applicant-specific conditions.
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Where do I go if my questions are not listed here?
The E-Rate program can be complicated for many schools and libraries. Careful planning is always required to be successful and understand selective reviews, funding commitments and program updates.
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What is the application process?
The application process for E-Rate involves several steps. Remember that the bid request and competitive bidding processes must comply with FCC rules and state and local procurement requirements.
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What services are eligible?
The Eligible Services List (ESL) for each funding year provides guidance on the eligibility of products and services under the Schools and Libraries Program.
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